Korean J Dermatol.  2023 Aug;61(7):429-436.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Korea: A Real-World Data in a Single Medical Center

• Kim J
• Kim Y
• Won SH
• Bae KN
• Lee J
• Shin K
• Kim H
• Ko H
• Kim MB
• Kim B

Abstract

Background
Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-4 receptor α. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the rapid and excellent therapeutic effects of dupilumab. Although a growing number of studies have reported data on the real-world efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, data on real-world experiences in Korea are limited.
Objective
To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in Korean patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center study. A total of 179 patients treated with dupilumab for at least 16 weeks were enrolled in this study. Based on electronic medical records, the clinical characteristics, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, and adverse events were investigated.
Results
The mean baseline EASI score (26.5±7.2) significantly decreased at weeks 16, 40, 52, and 112 (p＜0.05). All and 55.2% of patients achieved EASI75 and EASI90 responses at week 52, and all and 75.0% of patients achieved EASI75 and EASI90 responses at week 112, respectively. Common adverse events were facial erythema (31.8%), conjunctivitis (24.0%), and herpes simplex virus infection (11.2%). Three serious adverse events of severe conjunctivitis, mycosis fungoides, and mesenteric venous thrombosis resulted in discontinuation of dupilumab.
Conclusion
Dupilumab was effective in real-world clinical practice with a favorable safety profile in Korean patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; Dupilumab; Safety; Treatment outcome